Antonio Nusa reflects on Leipzig growth and Norway World Cup dream
Antonio Nusa has detailed his development into a key figure for RB Leipzig and his ambitions for the upcoming World Cup with Norway in an interview with the club. The 20-year-old winger joined Leipzig from Club Brugge in the summer of 2024 for a reported fee of €21 million and has since made 64 competitive appearances, scoring eight goals.
Nusa described himself as being in a "really good place" in Leipzig, crediting the presence of Scandinavian teammate Conrad Harder and the multilingual environment for helping him settle. He has focused on learning German, noting that head coach Ole Werner conducts meetings in the language, which he now largely understands. This integration off the pitch has paralleled his growing importance on it, with his direct running and versatility becoming assets for Leipzig's attack.
The Norwegian international explained his flexible role within the team's system, expressing a desire to potentially operate more centrally in the future as a number 10 or striker. "I think I can play in a lot of positions," Nusa said. "It’s important to be flexible and help the team wherever needed." This adaptability has made him a valuable component for a side pushing to return to the UEFA Champions League.
Despite his rising profile, Nusa admitted he still feels nerves before matches, viewing them as a positive sign of engagement. "If you’re nervous, it means you’re doing something important," he said. He recalled a formative moment early in his Leipzig career: facing his childhood hero Neymar in a friendly against Santos in Brazil. While acknowledging he learned from watching players like Neymar, Nusa is focused on developing his own identity on the pitch.
Looking ahead, international duty is a major focus. Norway's qualification for their first World Cup since 1998 presents a landmark opportunity, and Nusa stated his ambition is to take the national team "as far as possible." He described representing Norway at the tournament as a dream. For now, his immediate objectives remain with Leipzig, where he is entrenched in the club's trophy ambitions. "We want to win trophies together," Nusa said, signaling his transition from a prospect into a cornerstone of the project.
